Biography of W.H.H. HARLEY, Logan Co, AR *********************************************************** Submitted by: Delaine Edwards Date: 29 Jun 1999 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** SOURCE: Biographical & Historical Memoirs of Western Arkansas The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago and Nashville, 1891. Logan County W.H.H. HARLEY, lawyer and editor of the Tribune, Paris, Ark. Mr. Harley is one of those men, too few in number, who fully recognize the truth so often urged by the sages of the law, that, of all men, the reading and thought of a lawyer should be the most extended. Systematic reading gives a more comprehensive grasp to the mind, variety and richness to thought, and a clearer perception of the motives of men and the principles of things, indeed of the very spirit of laws. This he has found not only most essential in the prosecution of his professional practice, but very useful in conducting the editorial policy of his paper. Mr. Harley was born at Holly Springs, Miss., in 1841, and is the second of ten children born to W.R. and Louisa J. Harley, both natives of the Old Dominion. The paternal grandfather, John Harley, was of English descent, and his ancestors came from that country during the colonial period. The maternal ancestors, Thompsons and Bowens, were descendants of old Virginia families, and figured prominently in the Revolutionary War. Both families were of English descent, and were prominent in their day and time. W.R. Harley, father of W.H.H. Harley, was a merchant and banker in the early part of his career, and has held official positions nearly all his life. He was State Senator in Virginia and also from Marshall and De Soto Counties, Miss., and was Indian agent to New Mexico under Buchanan. He came to Arkansas in 1859, settled at Princeton, Dallas County, and has served two terms in the Legislature from that county; has also been county judge of the same for four years. He is now living at the age of eighty-two years and does his own business as merchant and farmer. W.H.H. Harley was reared in Mississippi, and was fortunate in having good educational advantages. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in the Confederate Army, Company C, First Arkansas Regiment Infantry, from Dallas County, Ark., and was in active service until cessation of hostilities. He participated in many of the principal engagements, was wounded at Kenesaw Mountain, and after being disabled served in a civil capacity until peace was declared. After the war he taught school in Southern Arkansas for several years, and at the same time was engaged in reading law. About 1875 he was admitted to the bar in Dallas County, and there he began practicing, and succeeded in establishing a good reputation. A few years later he came to Logan County, located at Paris, and there he has practiced ever since. He established the Paris Express in 1879 and 1880, and had editorial charge for one year. He was then connected with the People's Friend for one year, and in 1889 was engaged as editor and manager of the Paris Tribune. Mr. Harley was married in 1880 to Mrs. A.J. Harley, daughter of G.W. Wolf, a native of Logan County. To this union four children were born: Edna Jane, Charles Bowen, Jessie and Benjamin H., the latter died in infancy, in 1889. Mrs. Harley is a worthy member of the Methodist Church. W.H.H. Harley is an Old School Presbyterian, and believes in the sovereignty of God. In his household is a step-daughter, Willie Ann, an amiable and good girl. As a citizen he has always favored the enforcement of the laws, and has given to the churches and schools such help and support as his ability would allow.